DOTr lauds UN for adopting resolution on seafarers’ rights

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution initiated by the Philippines and adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) will help the government to better protect the rights of seafarers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.

According to the DOTr, it will push for more moves to enhance the well-being of seafarers in its bid for the country to be recognized as the “Maritime Capital of the World.”

READ: UN adopts Philippine-led resolution to protect seafarers’ human rights

“With this resolution, the government will be able to advance the rights and interests of Filipino seafarers who have been acclaimed as the country’s primary economic propellers,” the DOTr said in a statement.

Last July 11, the UN HRC adopted the resolution in its 56th session in Geneva.

The resolution, which is the first resolution on seafarers, was also co-sponsored by 28 other countries.

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Data from the Department of Migrant Workers said that more than 578,600 seafarers were deployed by the country in 2023.

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